Lizzo, the popular pop star and advocate of body positivity, has recently been facing allegations of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment from former dancers. In response to these claims, Lizzo took to Instagram to address the situation, asserting that she is not a victim nor the villain that the media has portrayed her to be. She emphasized the importance of respecting women in the world and stated that she takes this matter very seriously.
The former dancers accused Lizzo and her employees of interrogating them about their weight and pressuring them into participating in sexually explicit acts at sex shows. Some of the dancers, who also appeared on Lizzo’s reality show, claimed that they experienced a hostile work environment and endured sexual harassment, including being pushed to engage with nude performers.
Lizzo expressed her disappointment and described the past few days as “gut-wrenchingly difficult.” She felt that her work ethic, morals, and character were being questioned and criticized. However, she clarified that the stories being sensationalized are coming from former employees who have publicly admitted that their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional. Lizzo stated that while she is open about her sexuality and expressing herself, she cannot accept or allow people to use her openness to portray her as something she is not.
Lizzo rose to prominence in 2019 with her hit song “Truth Hurts,” marking her breakthrough into the major music scene. Known for her empowering messages about self-love, body positivity, and inclusivity, she has amassed a strong fan base. Her success includes winning four Grammy Awards, collaborating with renowned artists such as Ariana Grande, Cardi B, SZA, and Missy Elliott, and being mentioned in Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul” remix alongside legendary musicians like Madonna, Nina Simone, Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Grace Jones, and Aretha Franklin. Earlier this year, Lizzo won a Grammy for Record of the Year for her chart-topping hit “About Damn Time” on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Lizzo has been an advocate for the representation of plus-size women in the music industry. She previously found it challenging to find plus-size background dancers for her live shows and music videos. In response, she launched “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” in 2022, which aimed to recruit dancers for her world tour. The show was a success on Prime Video, earning three Emmy Awards, including Best Competition Program. Lizzo, as an executive producer on the show, was recognized for her contribution. Amazon announced auditions for singers and dancers for the second season in April. Additionally, Lizzo received another Emmy nomination for her HBO Max special, “Lizzo: Live In Concert,” in the Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) category, competing against renowned comedians such as Norman Lear, Carol Burnett, Trevor Noah, John Mulaney, and Wanda Sykes.
In conclusion, Lizzo’s response to the recent allegations of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment has been to assert that she is not a victim and should not be portrayed as a villain. She advocates for the respect that women deserve and takes this matter seriously. Despite facing criticism, Lizzo has achieved significant success in the music industry and continues to be an influential figure promoting self-love, body positivity, and inclusivity. Her efforts to provide opportunities for plus-size women through projects like “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” demonstrate her commitment to representation and empowerment.
